going back to work...feeding questions

bridetobin04

I have been breastfeeding but am going back to work in a few weeks. I feel as if I should start pumping and feeding her so she is used to it. did anyone else do this? how much should i pump? every 2-3hrs or so? what should i do if she wants to eat in between my pumping... also, she is 6 weeks old. how much do you think she will need for each feeding and how often?

Geb

I would pump now and get her used the bottle. I started at 3 weeks with both boys. I would pump in the morning after you first feed her, you'll have the most milk then. If you're just pumping to get her used to the bottle, you don't need to pump every 2-3 hours, that is what you'll do when you're back at work and not feeding the baby directly. I would give her 2-3 ounces in a bottle and see how much she takes then adjust from there.

MrsAmers

When I was on maternity leave, I pumped about an hour after the first morning nursing session.  It allowed me to build up a bit of a freezer stash and we offered DD a bottle 1-2 times a week.  Usually my DH or my parents gave it to her, and we tried to do it when I wasn't around.  Many babies won't take a bottle from mom or while mom is nearby - they'd rather have the "real thing".

Definitely keep nursing on demand until you go back to work.  It it best for your supply to keep nursing and it's just easier than pumping.  :-)

I would start by offering her a 3 ounce bottle.  You can always give her more.

Taylor44

Yes, I would recommend that you start offering BM in a bottle.  This will make the transition easier for you and your child.  We started about a month prior to my returning to work.  Also, I would try to create a supply of BM that you can freeze.  This will help in case you need any extra once you are back to work.  You can also used the frozen BM to mix with cereal once you start solids.  I would also recommend getting comfortable with your pump.  Pumping does take practice, especially if you have to pump in different locations.  Good luck.